Nation in Brief | MISSOURI

New bill restricts illegal immigrants

State lawmakers approved a bill adding restrictions and requirements for illegal immigrants, the cities in which they live and the businesses that employ them.

Republican Gov. Matt Blunt, who made passing the measure a priority, called it "extraordinarily strong."

The legislation would require applicants for food stamps, housing and other public benefits to prove they are U.S. citizens or are legally in the country.

It also would penalize businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants; order the highway patrol to seek special federal immigration training; and bar Missouri cities from refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.